EPA Challenge re: Delta Smelt

[Darian]

Good article in the SF Chron reports that the US Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the suit by Agri-business challenging the use of EPA to protect the delta Smelt:

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/04/BA6I1LOJ2K.DTL

[Mrs.Finsallaround]

Thanks for posting the link Darian - I posted it on the NCCFFF FB page and forwarded it to the council's Directors and Conservation Network :D

[Tracy Chimenti]

Bill Watenburg's conspiracy theories...

[Darian]

In view of the recent proposal by DFG concerning relief for the Delta Smelt from predation by Stripers, I thought you all might enjoy an article copied from the California Water Contractors website:

Thursday, 13 October 2011

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Department of Fish & Game's Initial Fall Survey Shows Delta Smelt Population Up

Sacramento, CA—The Department of Fish & Game has released data from the initial fall trawl, a population survey used to determine the abundance of Delta smelt and other fish species. Three additional surveys will be conducted in 2011, but this initial data shows that Delta smelt numbers are up significantly from prior years.

The Delta smelt’s population has been impacted over the years by a number of factors, such as pollutants that impact the Delta food web and invasive species. Although the state’s water operations have also been listed as a factor, no Delta smelt were found at the State Water Project entrainment facilities this year. At the same time, water agencies were able to export high levels of water for storage and reservoir replenishment given the extremely wet year.

“While three additional surveys will take place later in the fall, the September numbers for Delta smelt are an encouraging sign. The State Water Project was able to deliver healthy levels of water this year to farms and communities throughout the state without detecting any smelt in the entrainment facilities. It is further evidence that pumping levels are not the primary driver of the health of key fish species, and that a comprehensive approach addressing all stressors via the Bay Delta Conservation Plan is necessary for a long-term solution.”

Theory.... There were no Delta Smelt salvaged in the area of the pumps during the year. Conclusion.... Obviously the pumps were not the "primary" reason for decline in the Delta Smelt population. :rolleyes: Ahhh,.... The simplicity of it all. :lol:

[troutless]

Good article in the SF Chron reports that the US Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the suit by Agri-business challenging the use of EPA to protect the delta Smelt:


Did you mean ESA?

Sorry to nitpick and thanks for the link.

[Darian]

:oops: YUP!!! Guilty of not being sure the brain was engaged before putting fingers in gear.... #-o :lol: